uddenly
to be thrown over, because you are not the first girl he has ever met!
Pride should have some limits, remember! I have never heard of anything
more preposterous, if you ask me.

Mrs. Riis. Men are not like that.

Riis. And what about girls? Are they like that? I am quite sure they do
not ask whether their fiances have been married before--observe, I said
"married." You can imagine he has been married. Well, why not? That is
what other girls do--you cannot deny it. I know you know it. You have
been to dances; who are most in request there? Precisely those who have
the reputation of being something of a Don Juan. They take the wind out
of all the other fellows' sails. You have seen it yourself a hundred
times. And it is not only at dances that this applied. Don't you suppose
they get married--and as a rule make the very best matches?

Mrs. Riis. That is true.

Riis. Of course it is true. And as a rule they make the very best
husbands, too!

Mrs. Riis. Hm!

Riis. Oh, indeed they do!--with some exceptions, of course, naturally.
The fact is, that marriage has an ennobling influence, and provides a
beautiful vocation for a woman--the most beautiful vocation possible!

Svava (who has got up). I can just manage to listen to such things from
you--because I expected no better from you.

Riis. Thank you very much!

Svava (who has come forward). One would really think that marriage were
a sort of superior wash-house for men--

Riis. Ha, ha!

Svava.--and that men could come there and take a dip when they
please--and in what state they please!

Riis. Oh, really--!

Svava. I mean it! And it is flattering--very flattering--for me, as your
daughter, to feel that you look upon me as so peculiarly suited for the
washerwoman's post! None of that for me, thank you!

Riis. But this is--

Svava. No, just listen to me for a little! I don't think I have said too
much, the last day or two.

Riis. No, we have not been allowed to say a word to you.

Svava. Look here, father. You have a fine supply of principles, for show
purposes.

Riis. For--?

Svava. I do not mean by that, that they are not your own. But you are
so good and so honourable, your whole life is so refined, that I do not
attach the least importance to your principles. But to mother's I do
attach importance, for hers are what have formed mine. And now just when
I want to act up to them, she deserts me.

Riis and Mrs. Riis (together). Svava!

Svava